Sunday 21st September 1986

At the Portuguese Grand Prix Nigel Mansell completed what the Guardian described as “possibly the most important win of his career” to leave him needing victory in the penultimate race in Mexico to secure the championship. It was not to be, but it was “flawless performance” to set up the finale. Ayrton Senna, who started on pole, appeared set for second until he ran out of fuel on the last lap, a situation caused by a malfunctioning computer which showed he had enough left.